IF it is true that Sarawak Barisan Nasional is considering joining Pakatan Harapan as a coalition partner, then it is disturbing, says Sarawak’s Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC).

MTUC secretary Andrew Lo said it was disconcering to hear reports of Sarawak Governor Abdul Taib Mahmud purportedly meeting Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, which had sparked rumours of a BN-PH merger.

“This is disturbing as the Constitution stipulates that the Sarawak governor has to be apolitical and must not be involved in politics, and Dr Mahathir has stated that PH will rule according to the Constitution,” Lo said in a statement today.

Sarawakians have lashed out on social media, saying such a move would whitewash the corruption, cronyism and plunder of wealth that had occurred in Sarawak.

Lo said the state and national BN should provide “checks and balances on the new PH government” as a strong government needed an “effective opposition” to develop the nation.
 
“So to the BN, both federal and Sarawak, you are not losers in the election – you are winners, having inherited the sacred duty of being an effective opposition. Do your job well (and) you will win back power.
 
“To PH, fulfil your promise of a clean government (and) we will retain you, get into bed with cohorts (and) you will feel the wrath of the newly empowered people,” he said adding that PH should not allow history to repeat itself.

Assistant Minister in the Sarawak Chief Minister’s Office Abdullah Saidol has earlier dismissed reports pertaining to the BN-PH merger in the state.

Sarawak PH chairman Chong Chieng Jen had yesterday opposed the rumoured move.

Sarawak BN comprises PBB, PRS, SUPP and PDP, which collectively won 19 parliamentary seats in GE14.

If the parties leave BN, it would mean BN would be left with 60 parliamentary seats nationwide, while PH would hold 141 out of 222 seats in parliament. – May 12, 2018.